Michael Galler Week 3: What Makes Sports Fun?

    This past Sunday was the start of the NFL season. As a big Steelers fan, I was excited for the week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, a division rival and Super Bowl runner-ups from the previous season. The game was exciting, with both teams having multiple chances to win the game before the Steelers kicked a field goal as overtime ran out to win it all. It was extremely exciting to watch. Earlier that day, there was a Formula One race in Monza. It was an enthralling race that ended under the safety car when Daniel Ricciardo retired with mechanical issues. I enjoyed it just as much as the football game later that day. I also watched the Yankees game, which had 4 home runs in one inning as the Yankees torched the Rays. All of these sporting events were an absolute blast. We know what made these events fun compared to other sporting events, but what makes sports fun?

    I think there are three main reasons. The first reason is the competition that sports are all about. Many people have a competitive attitude, and sports is the perfect way to fulfill that desire. Even just picking a team to support can make sports more enjoyable to watch. I also believe that the unpredictability of sports makes it more enjoyable. Most of our daily activities can be predicted. We go to school, we get homework, and we go home and do our homework. Even on weekends, we typically know what we are doing before we do it. When watching sports, you have no clue what is going to happen next, which differs from ordinary life. There might be a huge reception, a fantastic overtake, or a monumental home run. You never know what could happen in sports. The third reason sports are fun is the social aspect. If I see someone with a Yankees hat, I instantly have respect for that person. Sports brings people together who have never even met each other because they have a common interest in a sports team. Why do you enjoy sports?